Meal Planning & Preparation in Bellevue

Barriers to proper nutrition in Bellevue

As people age, they often lose interest in food, which can be attributed to changes in taste buds. Research indicates that as we grow older, our perception of flavor diminishes, leading to a decreased appetite. Certain medical conditions and medications can also negatively affect taste and smell, further impacting a senior’s desire to eat. Additionally, some conditions may make it difficult for older adults to chew or swallow, and for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, mealtime can shift from a familiar and enjoyable experience to one that is confusing and stressful. For seniors living alone, mealtimes can also become isolating.

In Bellevue, seniors with physical or mental impairments may face significant challenges in planning, shopping for, and preparing meals, which can hinder their access to proper nutrition. Furthermore, many older adults may refrain from cooking healthy meals simply because the effort feels overwhelming for just one or two people. As a result, they might rely more on frozen or packaged foods, which are often less nutritious options. It’s essential to address these barriers to ensure that seniors maintain a balanced diet that supports their overall well-being.

How can Family Resource help?

• If planning and preparing meals is part of a client’s care plan, caregivers will assist with all aspects of planning and preparing foods to their client’s preferences.
• During the initial assessment, the client (with input from family, if appropriate) will be asked about their likes, dislikes, mealtimes, and routine. This information is included in the client’s care plan.
• Our caregivers will take into account special diets (ie, low-sugar, low-sodium) and help adapt foods to meet the client’s needs.
• Depending on the needs and interests of the client, the caregiver may grocery shop with or without them.
• Depending on the number of shifts worked each week, our caregivers can cook daily meals or cook a larger item such as a soup or casserole and then divide it into portions to be frozen and reheated later.
• Clients who have enjoyed cooking or baking, but can no longer do so due to medical or cognitive reasons, can be encouraged to participate in the process by doing tasks to assist (washing veggies, mixing ingredients) while the caregiver does the rest.
• Caregivers will provide assistance at the table ranging from making the food look appealing on the plate to feeding clients who are unable to feed themselves. Cutting up food, getting utensil to mouth, providing cueing to remind the client to chew and swallow, and encouraging drinks of water between bites. These are just a few of the approaches we take to help our clients enjoy and get the most out of their meals.
• Following meal preparation, our caregivers will clean the kitchen, wash dishes, wipe down counters and appliances, sweep the floor, and take out the trash.

Help with meal planning and preparation keeps seniors independent, healthy, and happy in their own homes in Bellevue.

At Family Resource Home Care, we are dedicated to delivering top-quality care and services that help seniors stay healthy, safe, active, and independent. In Bellevue, we tailor our services to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client, ensuring they achieve the quality of life they desire. Our caregivers are experienced, highly qualified, and provide attentive, compassionate support when it’s needed most.

How do you establish meal planning and preparation services with Family Resource Home Care in Bellevue?

At Family Resource, we prioritize listening to our clients. Each individual has their own unique preferences, needs, and concerns. We take the time to understand the senior’s health history, current lifestyle, interests, and any specific worries they may have. Together with the senior, we determine their meal preferences and how involved they would like to be in the planning and preparation process. We also engage with family members to gain a complete picture of the client’s needs.

Once we have a comprehensive understanding of the client’s personality and requirements, we carefully select a caregiver from our pool of thoroughly screened and qualified professionals. Each caregiver undergoes background checks, provides references, and participates in an in-depth interview. We only partner with caregivers who are genuinely compassionate and dedicated to their clients in Bellevue.

All Family Resource caregivers are trained and have their own insured vehicles, making shopping and running errands convenient. If preferred, arrangements can also be made for caregivers to drive the client’s car.